Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the multitude of shoe options out there?

 

From the office to the gym, and even cosy nights at home, finding the perfect pair can be daunting. 

Fear not! 

We've curated a comprehensive guide, drawing insights from Essex Foot Care's three clinics, to help you make informed decisions for happy, healthy feet.

Types of Shoes 

Walking Shoes

For those who enjoy brisk walks or have an active lifestyle, investing in proper walking shoes is crucial. We suggest:

  • Arch Support: Look for shoes that provide adequate arch support to prevent discomfort and overpronation.
  • Cushioning: Opt for shoes with ample cushioning to absorb shock and reduce impact on your joints, especially during long walks.
  • Breathable Materials: Shoes made of breathable materials help keep your feet cool and dry, preventing potential issues like blisters.

 

Shoe fitting at Essex Footcare

 

 

High Heels

 

While high heels can elevate any outfit, they may not always be kind to your feet.

 

We would encourage you to think about:

Heel Height: Consider opting for lower heels to minimize strain on the balls of your feet and lower back.

Platform Soles: Shoes with platform soles can provide some elevation without increasing the height of the heel.

Cushioned Insoles: Look for heels with cushioned insoles to add comfort and reduce pressure on the soles of your feet. 

 

 

 

 

  

Children's Shoes

Properly fitting shoes are vital for children's growing feet. Essex Foot Care recommends:

  • Room to Grow:  Ensure there's ample room (about a thumb's width) between the longest toe and the end of the shoe to accommodate growth.

  • Flexible Soles:  Children's shoes with flexible soles allow natural foot movement, aiding in proper development.

  • Breathable Materials:  Shoes made from breathable materials help prevent sweating and discomfort.

 

 

 

Slippers

Even your indoor footwear matters for foot health. Think about:

  • Support:  Look for slippers with arch support to provide stability and comfort, especially if you wear them for extended periods.

  • Non-Slip Soles:  Slippers with non-slip soles reduce the risk of accidents, particularly on smooth surfaces.

  • Warmth and Comfort:  Choose slippers made from materials like wool or fleece for warmth and cosiness during colder months.

  • Well-fitted: It’s important to consider that worn, loose slippers are a fall hazard and could cause trips or falls in the home

 

 

Choosing the Best Shoes

When it comes to selecting shoes for any occasion, we’d encourage you to consider the following factors:

  • Fit: Shoes should feel comfortable from the moment you try them on. If they feel too tight or too loose, they're likely not the right fit.

  • Purpose:  Match the shoe to the activity. Athletic shoes are designed for sports, while dress shoes are ideal for formal events.

  • Quality:  Investing in well-made shoes ensures durability and proper foot support, reducing the risk of foot problems.

 

Shoe Fitting Guide

Properly fitting shoes are essential to foot health. Essex Foot Care offers these fitting tips:

  • Measure Both Feet:  Feet can vary in size, so measure both and go with the larger size.

  • Try Shoes Later in the Day:  Feet tend to swell throughout the day, so try shoes on in the afternoon or evening for a more accurate fit.

  • Wiggle Room:  There should be about a half-inch of space between the longest toe and the end of the shoe to prevent cramping.

  • Walk Around:  Take a few steps in the shoes to ensure they don't slip or rub uncomfortably.

 

Remember, your shoes should look good and support your feet throughout the day. Whether exploring Essex or enjoying a quiet night in, the right shoes can make all the difference.

Our experts are happy to advise what you must look out for when investing in footwear. We are here to help and encourage you to find the perfect fit for your lifestyle and foot health needs.

 

how is your socks lifeThat's the question I asked a patient recently while treating her painful cracked heel and athlete's foot during her podiatry treatment.

She grinned and told me that she had no clue about socks other than receiving Christmas socks or buying cheap multipack socks when she ends up with an assortment of odd socks (where do socks disappear !?).

Socks are in fact important to foot health, comfort, temperature regulation, support, cushioning and prevention of foot problems.

Here are some tips on improving your socks life:

MATERIAL: Socks can be made from many materials; matching material to the activity can make a difference to overall foot health and comfort.

Generally, bamboo and cotton socks, bless them! Are good all-round materials for everyday comfort.

Additional materials such as merino wool and cashmere are good for colder weathers.

Cotton, polyester, nylon and spandex mix can be great for hiking, sports and athletics because they improve comfort, moisture wicking, temperature control and stretchability.

Socks with additional cushioning underfoot are great for high impact activities and for preventing blisters.

For feet, legs and ankles that become irritated or swell throughout the day 'easy-grip tops' significantly improve comfort levels.

SIZE MATTERS! Wear socks that fit well, too tight and they can inhibit free movement and cause the toes to claw, cause constriction of circulation and just generally feel uncomfortable, too big and the excess material can feel bulky and lumpy.

CHANGE DAILY! This may seem obvious but not everyone does, fungal infection and sweat and dirt can all lurk on socks, so a daily change of socks will prevent problems.

FOLLOWING THE WASHING AND DRYING INSTRUCTIONS - this will help increase the lifespan of the socks and prevent the material from losing its qualities.

THROW AWAY SOCKS WITH HOLES! - I see many patients who have foot problems because of wearing socks with holes that have cut into the skin.

Who would think that there is so much to say about the humble sock, the unsung hero of feet!

Please feel free to contact us for advice and help for any foot problems!

Dear Patients,

As a medical practice, we are able to stay open and we encourage you to attend for treatment if you have any foot problems.

We have to say that it has been the most challenging time in the history of our practices, we have worked continually behind the scenes, every day since lockdown to find a way of surviving and adapting the way we work and our environment so that we can safely open our doors once again to you, our valued patients. We have everything in place to everybody covid secure.

We are continuing to implement the procedures that we had already implemented following the first lockdown to keep you and our team safe.

We are booking appointments by phone or online

We will ask you to come alone where possible and to bring minimal belongings, please keep keys, phones etc in your bag or pocket

We will email a covid consent form for you to complete the day before your visit to us or we will call you the day before your appointment to triage for Covid symptoms

When you arrive, please stay in your car and call us, we will advise you when to come in

We are having just one patient at a time in the practice to avoid contact between patients

We have a hygiene station set up for you to sanitise your hands

We will ask you to wear a face mask / covering

Please do not wear gloves

We will be in full PPE- a bit different to how we are normally dressed! But there will still be a smile behind the mask!

Most of our systems are digital so there will be minimum contact and touch points

We have protective screens installed

Payment will be requested over the phone prior to your visit or contactless payment will be taken on the day

We will deep clean and disinfect in-between every patient


Please be patient with us!

We are coming through a very stressful time, but we are adapting well to our changed way of working, we are now having to work longer hours yet see less patients than before, appointment time slots are longer,  so that we have a comfortable, calm and safe space for our patients and the team.


We need to advise you that in order to be able to sustain our new normal, we have had to revise our fees simply to be able to survive as a business, provide work for the team, meet increased costs and to be able to remain open. There has been a huge investment of time and finances at a time when we have taken the biggest hit. We have not cut corners where protecting you and our team is concerned.

We are confident that we have created an environment where you are safe with us! we hope that that assurance is priceless.  

Whether you come to us for simple nail care or more complex or painful conditions, as experienced and specialised podiatrists we pride ourselves in providing you with first class medical foot care. Our role is to provide relief from pain, and also to pay attention to fine detail and pick up on any potential issues and prevent problems. We will advise you and provide a clear management plan whatever your condition, you can trust that we will deliver on value. 

Our core value is simply ‘To Improve the Quality of Your Life’ and that’s what we intend to do!


Welcome back! We have missed you!

were back 1 


were back 2 


were back 3 

nail pain

We've chosen ingrown toe nails as this week's focus simply because over lockdown and since reopening, we seem to be inundated with people desperate for urgent help for their painful ingrown nails !

Some people have come to us frustrated after trying home cures or been back and forth to the doctor's or even A&E and been prescribed antibiotics to no avail .

Although we're not sure why we're seeing a higher volume of patients with ingrown nails, we think it may be as a result of the drastic change in people's routines and footwear over the long period of lockdown

Many people have regular podiatry care and the long wait for a nail care appointment may have left them more likely to develop foot health issues.

Added to that the spring and summer months are our busiest, when people present with a wide range of foot problems.

Well you'll be pleased to know that you're here now and you're in the right place in safe hands with the right medical professionals since we are the qualified foot health experts!

From our years of experience and practice we are confident that we can provide you with a satisfactory solution with the the right plan of action designed for you.


How do we work ?

We encourage you to reach out so we can assess your nail.

We have several ways to assess you and advise whether you are still shielding and unable to get to us or whether you can come to our covid-safe clinics


What does an ingrown nail look and feel like like ?

As a rule, if the nail or a spike of nail is growing into or piercing the flesh or the flesh at the side of the nail is encroaching onto the nail and you have one or a combination of redness, swelling, infection ( pus) and a throbbing or sharp pain, then chances are you gave an ingrown nail.


How do we treat an ingrown nail ?

There is no one universal treatment, it all depends on why you have the problem and How long you've had it.

Sometimes one or two simple routine podiatry appointments can solve things with careful removal of the section or spike of nail Other times some form of minor nail surgery may be needed.

We will always discuss the options with you and endeavour to find the best and quickest route to a cure .

Between our team of 8 podiatrists across the three sites, we have podiatrists who specialise in nail problems and nail surgey with over 30 years experience. Please see our reviews and testimonials.

You do not have to put up with pain or continue having recurrent infection. So please reach out to us so we can relieve your pain and restore your quality of life so you can get back to doing all the things you enjoy without worrying about pain.

We look forward to helping you!

Dear Patients,

Just in case you missed it! We’re back!

We have to say that it has been the most challenging time in the history of our practices, we have worked continually behind the scenes, every day since lockdown to find a way of surviving and adapting the way we work and our environment so that we can safely open our doors once again to you, our valued patients.

We are pleased to return to doing what we love and what we do best which is to improve the quality of the lives we touch, to be able to make your feet happy and comfortable again! It is wonderful to be able to swap the computer screen for face to face interactions!


There are some things we need to tell you just so you are updated and know what to expect.

We now have a waiting list as we have a back log to get through. Please do advise us if you are in pain and can’t wait, we will see you!


We have changed a few things so we can keep you and our team safe.

We are booking appointments by phone or online

We will ask you to come alone where possible and to bring minimal belongings, please keep keys, phones etc in your bag or pocket

We will email a covid consent form for you to complete the day before your visit to us or we will call you the day before your appointment to triage for Covid symptoms

When you arrive, please stay in your car and call us, we will advise you when to come in

We are having just one patient at a time in the practice to avoid contact between patients

We have a hygiene station set up for you to sanitise your hands

We will ask you to wear a face mask / covering

Please do not wear gloves

We will be in full PPE- a bit different to how we are normally dressed! But there will still be a smile behind the mask!

Most of our systems are digital so there will be minimum contact and touch points

We have protective screens installed

Payment will be requested over the phone prior to your visit or contactless payment will be taken on the day

We will deep clean and disinfect in-between every patient


Please be patient with us!

We are coming through a very stressful time, but we are adapting well to our changed way of working, we are now having to work longer hours yet see less patients than before, appointment time slots are longer,  so that we have a comfortable, calm and safe space for our patients and the team.


We need to advise you that in order to be able to sustain our new normal, we have had to revise our fees simply to be able to survive as a business, provide work for the team, meet increased costs and to be able to remain open. There has been a huge investment of time and finances at a time when we have taken the biggest hit. We have not cut corners where protecting you and our team is concerned.

We are confident that we have created an environment where you are safe with us! we hope that that assurance is priceless.  

Whether you come to us for simple nail care or more complex or painful conditions, as experienced and specialised podiatrists we pride ourselves in providing you with first class medical foot care. Our role is to provide relief from pain, and also to pay attention to fine detail and pick up on any potential issues and prevent problems. We will advise you and provide a clear management plan whatever your condition, you can trust that we will deliver on value. 

Our core value is simply ‘To Improve the Quality of Your Life’ and that’s what we intend to do!


Welcome back! We have missed you!

were back 1 


were back 2 


were back 3 

 

5 seated chair exercises for seniors


1 Overhead Bend and Reach

Overhead Bend and Reach

  1. Raise both arms above your head.
  2. Lower your right arm and lean to the right. Feel the stretch in your left side.
  3. Hold for at least 15 seconds.
  4. Return to your original position with your arms over your head.
  5. Drop your left arm and lean to the left.
  6. Repeat 2 to 4 times toward each side.

2 Shoulder Blade squeeze

Shoulder Blade squeeze

  1. Lift your arms near the level of your shoulders with your elbow pointed straight out.
  2. Bring your elbows back while you squeeze your shoulder blades together. Don’t lift or shrug your shoulders as you are squeezing.
  3. Hold for 6 seconds.
  4. Repeat 8 to 12 times.

3 Knee extension

Knee extension

  1. Straighten and lift one leg and hold while you count to 5. Be sure you don’t lock your knee.
  2. Slowly lower your leg down.
  3. Repeat 8 to 12 times.
  4. Repeat on the other leg.

4 Neck Rotation

Neck Rotation

  1. Turn your head to the left and hold for at least 15 seconds.
  2. Repeat on the right side.
  3. Repeat 2 to 4 times to each side.



5 Marching in Place

Marching in Place

  1. Sit with your feet slightly apart, and march in place lifting your knees high toward the ceiling. Remember to breath normally.
  2. Keep marching in a smooth rhythm for 1 minute. Work up to marching 5 minutes or longer.

coronavirus


Dear Patients,

Regrettably we are cancelling all appointments until 1st May at the earliest.

The safety of our patients, staff, and all their families MUST come first.

We will still be taking calls to guide patients over the phone. If foot problems arise then we will be very happy to support and advise in the best way, we can.

For those requiring urgent care we will advise them appropriately, regarding distancing, lockdown etc.


Please follow us on Facebook for the latest news and updates.


Please all follow the government advice. STAY INDOORS discontinue all non-essential contact with others, wash hands frequently and follow the government quarantine guidelines if you have symptoms.

We look forward to taking care of all your foot health needs as soon as possible.

The Essex Chiropody, Podiatry & Footwear Centres

Sushila Patel Basildon Practice contact telephone no: 01268 553653
HealthiestFeet
Rashmita Bedi Billericay Practice contact telephone no: 01277 659200
Anita Patel Romford Practice contact telephone no: 01708 728498
RomfordFeet

send us a message

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The Basildon Practice

38 Byfletts (Off Clayhill Road), Basildon, Essex

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The Romford Practice

587 Upper Brentwood Road, Gidea Park, Romford

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